Catch award-winning theatre, visit an icon of Japanese animation and go rollerskating at Darling Harbour – all for $35 or less.

A drink at Bar Americano pop-up at Icebergs
It’s the best of both worlds: a slice of Melbourne’s bar scene found in one of Sydney’s most glamorous seaside venues. Bar Americano – described by its owner Matt Bax as “unapologetically small and specialised” – has taken over a space at Icebergs Bar at Bondi Beach until May 1. The partnership, in collaboration with Bacardi-Martini Australia, was reportedly masterminded by Bax and Icebergs restaurateur Maurice Terzini (Cicciabella, Re–) over drinks during a night out in Venice. The Bar Americano at Icebergs pop-up features the same capacity as the original – 10 standing or seven seated – and a similar menu showcasing Italian aperitivo-style drinks. Among the new cocktails exclusively designed for the residency are a remix of Terzini’s No. 8 Cocktail; a take on Bar Americano’s namesake drink, the Americano; the Old Fashioned-inspired Antica Fashionista; and, of course, a Negroni.

Hello Kitty town at Darling Square
Hello Kitty, a celebrated Japanese animated character who first appeared in 1975, is taking up residence at Darling Square. For three months, the Haymarket precinct doubles as Hello Kitty Town, where a five-metre-tall inflatable Hello Kitty will take pride of place alongside a free outdoor gallery displaying the works of talented local and international graphic designers, illustrators and street artists. Darling Square’s eateries have joined in the fun too. Japanese-inspired Ume Burger is doing a Bad Badtz-Maru (another Sanrio character) cheeseburger, while Toastiesmith has created five limited-edition toasties (bacon, Wagyu, chicken, kimchi and pork, and garlic toast) for its menu, all with Hello Kitty-inspired bows made from ham.

White Pearl at Sydney Theatre Company

From one of Australia’s most exciting emerging theatre talents comes White Pearl, an acclaimed work from Thai-Australian playwright and screenwriter Anchuli Felicia King. White Pearl delivers a searing – and timely – take on casual racism and toxic workplaces set in a cosmetics startup in Singapore, exploring Asian identities in the 21st century and the consequences of going viral. The original production cast won the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Ensemble in 2019. Catch its current run, delayed for two years thanks to the pandemic, at Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf 1 Theatre. Tickets start at $34.

Rollarama at Darling Harbour
In case you haven’t noticed, rollerskating is enjoying a renaissance right now among the fleet footed. Strap on your skates and roll on down to Rollarama at Darling Harbour to reacquaint yourself with the thrills and spills of the roller rink. Skates are available for hire and all skill levels are welcome, with a separate rink catering for beginners. Hit up the on-site coaches for tips to up your skating game. Refreshments – think brisket and gouda cheeseburgers, stacks of waffles, sticky barbequed wings, and peanut-butter-and-jelly thickshakes – are available from a roll-up bar, while a Mr Black trailer will serve espresso martinis on tap. From Wednesday to Sunday, DJs will be on hand to bring the tunes, or visit on a Tuesday for 25 per cent off the entry fee.

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